TTM Stats
- Sent: 3/21/2022 | Received: 3/31/2022 | 10 Days
- ’75 Topps, ’78 Topps, ’79 Topps, ’83 Topps (plus fee)
- Address: Home (address from Sports Card Forum)
The Story of the Autograph
John Mayberrry is a former first baseman in the major leagues. He played from 1968 to 1982 and during the 1970s he made his mark with his towering presence at first base and powerful bat. Over his career, he became known as one of the most formidable power hitters of his era.
Born on February 18, 1949, in Detroit, Michigan, John Mayberry grew up in a city with a rich baseball tradition. His athletic prowess was evident early on, and he quickly became a standout in high school baseball. Recognizing his potential, the Houston Astros drafted him in the first round of the 1967 MLB Draft, the sixth overall pick. Mayberry’s minor league career showcased his raw power and potential, and by 1968, he made his MLB debut with the Astros. However, his early years in Houston were marked by struggles as he sought to find consistency at the plate and establish himself as a regular in the lineup. It wasn’t until he was traded to the Kansas City Royals in 1972 that Mayberry’s career truly began to take off.
Mayberry’s time with the Kansas City Royals from 1972 to 1977 was the most productive period of his career. The Royals, an up-and-coming team in the American League, provided Mayberry with the opportunity to showcase his power and skill. He quickly became a cornerstone of the team’s offense, hitting a career-high 34 home runs in 1975 and driving in over 100 runs in both 1973 and 1975. Mayberry’s left-handed swing was tailor-made for Kansas City’s Municipal Stadium, and later, Royals Stadium.
His ability to hit for both power and average made him a feared hitter in the American League. In 1973 and 1974, he was named to the All-Star team, and he finished second in the MVP voting in 1975, a testament to his impact on the game. Beyond his offensive prowess, Mayberry was also a reliable defender at first base. His presence in the Royals’ lineup helped the team become a perennial contender in the American League West, culminating in the team’s first playoff appearance in 1976.
After his successful stint with the Royals, Mayberry’s career took him to the Toronto Blue Jays, a team that was in the early stages of building its identity in the league. From 1978 to 1982, Mayberry brought his veteran experience and power-hitting ability to the young Blue Jays roster. Though the team struggled in those years, Mayberry provided leadership and was a mentor to many of the younger players. In 1982, Mayberry finished his MLB career with the New York Yankees, bringing to a close a 15-year career that saw him hit 255 home runs, drive in 879 runs, and earn a reputation as one of the most respected sluggers of his generation.
Following his retirement from baseball, John Mayberry remained connected to the sport he loved. He transitioned into a scouting role, helping to identify and develop the next generation of talent. His experience as a player provided valuable insights that he passed on to young players aspiring to make it in the big leagues. Mayberry’s legacy also continued through his son, John Mayberry Jr., who followed in his father’s footsteps to the majors, playing for several teams between 2009 and 2015. The father-son duo became one of the few to both reach the major leagues, cementing the Mayberry name in baseball history.
The Score on John Mayberry – 6.5
John has a somewhat standard signature. These almost look a bit messy too. There’s no smudges or anything like that, but for some reason it doesn’t look like it was the strongest marker. I feel like I have a lot of cards of his but these were the ones that would show the signature off the best and I’m glad I chose these.
Thanks Mr. Mayberry! I’m giving this return a 6.5.
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Information gathered using Wikipedia and Baseball Reference.